Grigorenko plays part in Russian triumph

Mikhail Grigorenko set up the game's first goal and played a part on the game winner as host Russia began their 2013 World Junior Championship quest with a 3-2 overtime victory versus Slovakia.

At 14:04 of the first period, Grigorenko connected with former Quebec Remparts teammate Nikita Kucherov, criss-crossing while entering the zone and taking a pass from the winger before dishing it back door on the give-and-go for the 1-0 lead.

The 6-foot-2 centerman continued to work the middle of the ice responsibly as the Slovaks fought their way back to even the game 2-2 with a strike in the final minute of regulation.

After Slovakia went shorthanded in overtime, Grigorenko came over the boards to take a key offensive zone draw with 14.5 seconds to play. The talented pivot came through, winning the puck back to the point and drifting through the low slot as a Albert Yarullin blast found the back of the net allowing Russia to escape with the two points.

Grigorenko finished the game with team-bests five shots on goal and a 69% success rate at the faceoff circle (11/16).

Sabres goaltending prospect Andrey Makarov served as backup while Andrei Vasilevskimade 32 stops to earn Russia's Player of the Game honors.

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Kris Baker was raised in a hockey rink. When you were watching Star Wars, he was watching Peter Puck. Bakes' favorite food is chicken soup from the vending machine, and he'd register a Zamboni with the DMV if allowed.